National Minimum Wage Checker
Check your pay against 2026 UK minimum wage rates
£
Minimum Wage Check — April 2026
Minimum rate for your age—
Your hourly rate—
Difference—
Result—
⚠️ If your employer is paying below the National Minimum Wage, you can report them to HMRC at gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights. HMRC investigates all complaints.
National Living Wage & Minimum Wage Rates April 2026
| Age Group | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 |
| Apprentice | £8.00 |
What Counts as Pay for Minimum Wage?
Minimum wage calculations are based on gross pay. Tips and service charges do not count towards minimum wage. Deductions for uniforms, tools or accommodation can reduce pay below minimum wage if they bring your effective hourly rate below the threshold.
Living Wage vs Minimum Wage
The National Living Wage (set by government) is distinct from the Real Living Wage (set by the Living Wage Foundation at £12.60/hour in 2026, and £13.85/hour in London). Employers are not legally required to pay the Real Living Wage, though many choose to.
Reporting Underpayment
If you believe you're being underpaid, contact HMRC via the Pay and Work Rights helpline or submit a complaint online. HMRC investigates complaints, can order back-pay, and fine employers up to 200% of unpaid wages.
Frequently Asked Questions
From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour — up from £12.21. Workers aged 18–20 get £10.85/hour, and those aged 16–17 or on an apprenticeship get £8.00/hour.
Anyone aged 21 or over who is classed as a 'worker' under UK law, including full-time, part-time, casual and zero-hours contract staff. Some limited exceptions apply, such as genuinely self-employed contractors and certain family members working in a family business.
Deductions for accommodation above the accommodation offset rate, unreturned uniforms or equipment costs, and certain other employer-benefit deductions can reduce your pay below minimum wage on paper without being legal — these are common areas HMRC investigates.
HMRC can order employers to repay arrears and can additionally fine them up to 200% of the amount owed, capped at £20,000 per worker. You can report suspected underpayment confidentially via the ACAS helpline or GOV.UK.
No. The National Living Wage is the legal minimum set by government. The Real Living Wage, calculated independently by the Living Wage Foundation, is higher (£12.60/hour UK-wide, £13.85/hour in London for 2026) but is voluntary — employers choose to pay it and can become accredited.